beyond the legal opinion
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From contract negotiation, through contract administration, to dispute resolution, Brent Carpenter represents general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers in all stages of public and private construction projects throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Brent’s construction law experience includes negotiating and drafting private contracts, guiding clients through the public procurement process, including bid protests, and assisting in contract administration. With attention to detail and thoroughness, he also prepares, prosecutes, defends against, and resolves a variety of claims, including bond, lien, differing site conditions, and delay claims.
Brent also has extensive experience representing government contractors—in industries other than construction—in bid protests and contract administration disputes with local, state, and federal governments. No matter the industry, Brent adeptly guides clients through the bid protest and claims processes.
In all cases, Brent intentionally listens and observes to identify issues before they become disputes. However, if the need to litigate arises, Brent is prepared to effectively and efficiently resolve disputes through settlement, alternative dispute resolution, or litigation. Remaining level-headed is his key to successful litigation, and Brent’s clients appreciate the fact that he maintains perspective and remains calm, even in the most intense disputes. Further, Brent’s clients describe him as easy to talk to, responsive to their needs, and skilled at writing and advocacy.
Brent’s background running a small business gives him valuable insight to the priorities of his clients’ businesses and he strives to keep those priorities in mind when representing clients. In addition to his busy practice, Brent serves as the Chair of the firm’s Construction Practice Group, which collectively offers the decades of experience needed to successfully navigate complex construction law and government contracts issues.
When not practicing law, Brent enjoys trail running, hiking, biking, and skiing with his wife and daughter.
February 22, 2024
Reprinted with permission from the Daily Journal of Commerce. Click here to read online. As most subcontractors probably know, a construction lien is an important tool to ensure payment, but the lien process is full of pitfalls for the unwary.…
September 6, 2022
The June 2021 Pacific Northwest heat wave resulted in hundreds of deaths across Oregon and Washington, including several in workplaces. While Oregon OSHA had already begun rulemaking to address workplace heat illness, the extreme temperatures obviously gave those activities added urgency.
May 6, 2022
Most construction contracts contain a provision requiring a written change order as a condition precedent to payment for changed work. However, even in the absence of a written change order, a contractor may be entitled to payment, as an equitable adjustment to the contract price, for changed work under the legal theory of constructive change.
